Alpine F1 driver Alonso ‘conscious’ in hospital after cycling accident

Alpine Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso is “conscious” and “well in himself” after being involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland.

The two-time world champion, who is making his comeback this season with the rebranded Alpine F1 team following a two-year hiatus from the sport, was cycling in Switzerland when the accident occurred.

According to reports in Italy and Spain, Alonso was hit by a car while on Swiss roads near Lugano. Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Alonso was admitted to a hospital in the area, with early examinations showing suspected fractures. 

His Alpine team issued a statement confirming Alonso had been involved in the incident on Thursday evening, though it did not reveal the extent of the Spaniard’s injuries.

Alonso is now awaiting further medical checks on Friday, when the next update is expected to be issued. 

“Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Fernando Alonso has been involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland,” a team statement said.

“Fernando is conscious and well in himself and is awaiting further medical examinations tomorrow morning.

"Alpine F1 Team will not make any further statement at this point in time. Further updates will be given tomorrow.”

The accident comes with pre-season testing in Bahrain only a month away ahead of the start of the 2021 F1 season.

Alpine has not yet formally announced its plans for a reserve driver ahead of the 2021 F1 season. 

Former Williams F1 driver Sergey Sirotkin carried out the role last year and could be called upon should the French manufacturer need a stand-in for Alonso. 

Alpine is due to unveil its 2021 car, the A521, at a launch event early next month before pre-season testing gets underway.